Patterson axed, five changes – Sunderland predicted XI v Sheffield Wednesday
Regis Le Bris could make as many as five changes to his starting 11 when Sunderland travel to face Sheffield Wednesday on Friday.
Sunderland’s automatic promotion chances were all but curtailed following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Hull City, ending their unbeaten home run in the league.
With the Black Cats now looking towards the playoffs, management of players has to be excellent to ensure that the squad is at maximum capacity to have the best shot at achieving promotion.
With that in mind, Le Bris is likely to make several changes to his starting lineup at Hillsborough, with several of those enforced due to injury.
Le Bris to axe Anthony Patterson
Anthony Patterson has been a regular starter this season, but his form at Sunderland has dipped since the turn of the new year, with his error directly leading to the goal in the 1-0 defeat to Hull.
Simon Moore may well be in line for a return to the starting XI having fared reasonably well when deputising in place of Patterson earlier in the campaign.
| 2024/25 | Appearances | Clean sheets | Saves | Save % | Goals conceded |
| Anthony Patterson | 30 | 11 | 70 | 70.7 | 29 |
The majority of the defence is likely to remain the same for Sunderland, though an injury to Dan Ballard is likely to force Le Bris into making one change, with Chris Mepham coming back in.
Trai Hume and Dennis Cirkin will retain their spots at either full-back position, while Luke O’Nien will partner Mepham in the heart of the defence.
Dan Neil has been one of the stars of the season for Sunderland, he will start at Hillsborough with Jobe Bellingham likely to play alongside him.
The latter hasn’t demonstrated his best form as of late, but his importance to the team cannot be understated.
Chris Rigg axed, Milan Aleksic in
Milan Aleksic has had to wait for his time to shine, but with Chris Rigg struggling to impress for Sunderland, it may be the perfect opportunity to switch things up with the Serbian expected to start in midfield.
Romaine Mundle made his long-awaited return from injury against Hull and may replace Enzo Le Fee after the Frenchman was withdrawn at halftime at the Stadium of Light through injury.
Patrick Roberts is another who finds himself out of form, with Ian Poveda potentially in line for a start against his former club.
Wilson Isidor is the top scorer for the Black Cats and provided he is fit, there will be very few questions as to whether he will be in the starting 11.
With 12 goals so far this season, the Frenchman will be keen to add to his tally after Saturday’s disappointment.